The self-renewal and differentiation of stem cells is controlled by signals derived from the microenvironment or “niche”. The paired hematopoietic organs of the Drosophila genetic model organism are a well-characterized system in which the regulation of stem cell behaviour within a niche can be genetically dissected.
Position for a PhD student is available in the group of Dr Pawel Grzechnik at the University of Birmingham. The aim of the project is to understand how eukaryotic cells remodel RNA biology in order to survive stress generated by pathological conditions and external stressors.
Background. To mount an immune response, host organisms must first recognize the pathogen with which they are infected. The first line of defense against pathogen infection in animals is provided through the innate immune response.
Aims. Determine the structure of the ELAV dodecameric complex bound to target RNA by cryoEM and functionally probe interaction interfaces in vitro and in vivo in transgenic Drosophila models for neurodegeneration and cancer.
ELAV/Hu proteins comprise a family of highly conserved neuronal RNA binding proteins important for the development of the nervous system and for neuronal functions.
Project background. Regulation of proteostasis is critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis. Autophagy, a major intracellular degradation pathway essential for cellular and energy homeostasis, functions in the clearance of aggregation-prone proteins and damaged organelles.
Methods for quantitative genetic analysis have been well established in almost all important diploid plants and animal including humans, and have served as essential tools for dissecting the genetic architectures underlying agronomically, evolutionarily and medically interesting quantitative and complex traits.
Mate choice is an essential behavioural process with profound consequences in evolution. How do animals choose with whom to mate? How do they evaluate the features of a potential mate to maximise their reproductive success?.